​​Laurel Collier, DVM

For pet owners in North Carolina, particularly in and around Jacksonville, finding a veterinarian who is not only skilled but also deeply committed to the community can be a challenge. Laurel Collier, DVM, is a respected veterinarian in the area, and a key member of the team at Academy Animal Hospital. This long-standing clinic is known for its unique walk-in-only model, a testament to its dedication to providing accessible and immediate care to all its patients. Dr. Collier and the entire staff believe in building long-lasting relationships with both pets and their owners, and they are particularly proud to serve the local military families who are so vital to the region. Their mission is to provide quality veterinary medicine without the stress of long appointment waits, ensuring that every pet receives the attention it needs in a timely manner.

The practice has a rich history, having been established in 1969 with the goal of making veterinary care more convenient for military families with unpredictable schedules. This founding principle of flexibility and service remains a core part of the clinic’s identity today. The team, including Dr. Collier, is a group of experienced and knowledgeable professionals who have a genuine passion for animal welfare. Dr. Collier herself has a special interest in feline medicine, which provides a dedicated level of expertise for cat owners in the area. The clinic's commitment to treating every client like family ensures a warm, welcoming, and reassuring atmosphere for what can sometimes be a stressful experience for both the pet and the owner. This personal touch, combined with their professional capabilities, makes the clinic a trusted resource in the Jacksonville pet community.

At Academy Animal Hospital, the focus is on comprehensive care and client convenience. They offer a variety of services, from routine vaccinations and wellness exams to various soft tissue surgeries. The walk-in system, while sometimes leading to extended wait times due to high demand, is a feature that many busy owners and those with urgent needs greatly appreciate. The clinic is set up to handle a high volume of patients efficiently while striving to provide the most exceptional care to every single animal. This balance of professional excellence and accessibility is what sets them apart and solidifies their reputation as a go-to vet clinic in North Carolina.

Choosing a veterinarian is a significant decision, and the history, expertise, and community focus of Dr. Laurel Collier and her team at Academy Animal Hospital make them a compelling choice for anyone seeking reliable and compassionate care for their pets in the Jacksonville area.

The veterinary clinic is conveniently located at 237 Western Blvd, Jacksonville, NC 28546, USA. Situated on a major thoroughfare, the location is easy to find for residents throughout the city and surrounding areas. The facility is designed with a strong commitment to accessibility, ensuring all visitors can navigate the space comfortably. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, providing a smooth and safe entry for individuals with mobility challenges. Additionally, there is a dedicated wheelchair-accessible parking lot, offering convenient parking right near the entrance. The clinic also has a wheelchair-accessible restroom, which further demonstrates their commitment to accommodating every client. This focus on accessibility ensures that the focus can remain on your pet's health without worrying about physical barriers.

The team at Academy Animal Hospital, which includes Dr. Laurel Collier, provides a variety of veterinary services for dogs and cats. While appointments are not required for general visits, surgeries are scheduled for a specific time. Their services are designed to meet the essential health needs of your pet and include:

• Preventative Medicine: This covers routine services like wellness exams and vaccinations to keep your pet healthy and protected from common diseases.
• Soft Tissue Surgery: The clinic has the capability to perform a variety of soft tissue surgeries, which are scheduled by appointment to ensure proper preparation and care.
• Wellness Exams: These are comprehensive check-ups that allow the veterinary team to monitor your pet's overall health and catch any potential issues early.
• Boarding Services: For established clients, the clinic offers quality boarding for pets, available 365 days a year.
• Client Education: The team provides resources and a pet health library to help owners stay informed about their pet's health and wellness.
• In-House Pharmacy: While not explicitly stated, many walk-in clinics like this one maintain an in-house pharmacy for the convenience of clients, allowing them to get prescriptions filled immediately.

What makes the veterinary care provided by Laurel Collier, DVM, and her colleagues at Academy Animal Hospital a top choice for North Carolina residents are several key features that enhance the client experience. These highlights reflect the clinic's dedication to convenience, care, and community:

• Walk-In-Only Clinic: This unique model is a significant highlight, offering unparalleled convenience for pet owners who need to see a vet without the stress of scheduling days in advance, especially for urgent, but not emergency, situations.
• Dedicated to Military Families: The clinic has a long history of serving the military community, understanding their unique needs and schedules, and making a concerted effort to be accessible to them.
• Boarding for Established Clients: The 365-day-a-year boarding service is a valuable benefit for loyal clients, providing a trusted and reliable place for their pets when they are away.
• Expertise in Feline Medicine: Dr. Laurel Collier's special interest in cats ensures that feline patients receive a specialized and knowledgeable level of care.
• History and Community Presence: Having been established in 1969, the clinic has deep roots in the Jacksonville community, fostering a strong sense of trust and familiarity among local pet owners.
• Friendly and Welcoming Staff: The team is described as being a part of a "family" and treats their clients as such, which contributes to a comfortable and positive visit.

To learn more about the services offered at the clinic or to inquire about boarding, you can contact Laurel Collier, DVM, and the team at Academy Animal Hospital using the following information:

• Address: 237 Western Blvd, Jacksonville, NC 28546, USA
• Phone: (910) 353-3131

As a walk-in clinic, they welcome you to visit during their business hours for most services.

For North Carolina residents, particularly those who are part of the military community in Jacksonville, choosing Laurel Collier, DVM, and the team at Academy Animal Hospital is an excellent decision. The clinic's most compelling feature is its walk-in-only model. This system is a lifeline for busy families and those with animals who have sudden illnesses or injuries. The ability to simply show up and be seen without the wait for an open appointment slot is a level of convenience that is hard to overstate. It’s an approach specifically designed to ease the burden on pet owners with unpredictable schedules, a core value of a clinic that has been serving military families for decades.

Beyond the logistical convenience, the professional expertise and personal care are what truly set this practice apart. Dr. Collier's specific interest in feline medicine provides cat owners with the reassurance that their pet is in the hands of a dedicated and knowledgeable professional. Furthermore, the clinic's commitment to treating every client "like family" fosters a relationship built on trust and mutual respect. This is not just a place to get a vaccine; it's a place where you and your pet feel genuinely cared for. The long history of the clinic, established in 1969, speaks volumes about its reliability and deep-seated role in the community. Over the years, it has earned a reputation as a trustworthy place for pet care.

While a walk-in model can sometimes mean longer wait times, this is a trade-off that many clients willingly make for the flexibility and the peace of mind of knowing their pet can be seen when they need it most. The fact that the clinic is able to manage a high volume of patients while still striving for "exceptional care" is a testament to the dedication of the staff. For anyone in North Carolina seeking a veterinary service that combines professional competence, community focus, and a unique, convenient care model, Laurel Collier, DVM, and Academy Animal Hospital are a truly worthy choice. They are a team of animal lovers who are ready to serve and provide the best possible care for your pet.

​​Laurel Collier, DVM

237 Western Blvd, Jacksonville, NC 28546, USA